ARIZONA SWORDS  

Identifed & Presented Items

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A133. HIGH GRADE PRESENTATION STAFF & FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD: This is a high-grade silver gripped staff & field sword retailed and marked “PALMERS & BACHELDERS / BOSTON MASS”. The sword is actually a product of German maker “CLAUBERG” with a 32′blade in nearly mint condition with bright etched panels including a large interlocked “US” and panoply of arms. The blade retains most of its original frosting and luster with scattered black staining. The brass hilt and pommel retain over 50% original gold wash. The scabbard mounts retain traces of original gilt especially in the protected areas, and the browned scabbard body retains most of its finish with areas of scattered pin prick pitting. The presentation is found on back of top mount which reads “PRESENTED TO LT. A.A. WHITE FROM HIS FRIENDS OF UPTON, MASS”. The basket has a drooped winged eagle with a patriotic shield on its breast rising among foliate decoration. Another eagle is present as the quillon. Another eagle is found decorating the pommel; this eagle is spread winged holding a ribbon and a patriotic shield. The spiral sheet silver grip is bound by triple brass wire. The brown steel scabbard exhibits large cast raised relief mounts. The top ring mount exhibits Lady Liberty, the middle mount has a panoply of arms including a cannon, a sword, an infantry horn, a drum and a flag. The drag shows a running soldier carrying the American flag, and a well-worn sword knot is still tied to the knuckle bow. Alonzo White entered the service as a 1st Sergeant on Aug. 27, 1862. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in July 1863 and later to 1st Lieutenant April 23, 1864. On May 26, 1864, Lt. White was severely wounded at the Battle of Spotsylvania, Virginia which effectively ended his military career. He mustered out in Nov. 1864. This is a beautiful high-grade sword given to an officer less than a month before his severely wounding in combat, thus ended his military career. In the Spring of 2012, this sword was sold by James D. Julia auctions for $8050, but no one ever obtained Lieutenant White’s military records until now. A 116 page historical binder accompanies the sword. Shipping & Insurance included. $6800.00

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U971. HIGH-GRADE - VERMONT PRESENTATION SAUERBIER TYPE-3 CAVALRY OFFICERS SABER: This is a high-grade Sauerbier Type-3 Cavalry Officers Saber, which was presented to a Vermont Officers. The saber has a pewter grip with triple-strand wire; a guard with fancy chase work; a pommel cap with a pewter lady’s bust profile and a pewter U.S. Shield inscribed UNION; a brightly etched and frosty blade; and a scabbard with high-grade heavy mounts with pewter inlays. Between the throat piece and top mount is the presentation:

PRESENTED TO

CAPT CHARLES HUNSDON

Co. B Vt 11th Artillery by the members of his Co. as a token of their

Confidence and Esteem Jany, 1863

Charles Hunsdon enlisted on 8/13/1862 as a Captain and on 9/3/1862 was commissioned into "B" Co. Vermont 1st Heavy Artillery and Mustered Out on 6/24/1865. He was promoted to Major 11/2/1863, Lt Colonel 9/2/1864, and Colonel 5/23/1865 as the unit’s commander. Originally mustered into U.S. Service as the 11th Vermont Volunteer Infantry in September 1862, it was officially redesignated as 1st Artillery, 11th Vermont Volunteers in mid - December 1862 and deployed to the capital is the defense of Washinton, D.C. However; in 1864, General Grant directed the unit to take the field of battle as an infantry unit and it saw action started at Spotsylvania Court House and staying in the fight until the end of the war becoming the Vermont’s most active combat unit. $9750.00

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A245. IDENTIFIED – SAUERBIER MODEL 1852 NAVAL OFFICER SWORD: Sauerbier Naval Officer Swords are extremely scarce and are often missing from advance collections. This one is even more unique because it is identified to a Naval Officer with service prior to the Mexican War up to the beginning of the Civil War. The sword has a complete original Sauerbier scabbard with all gold wash mounts; a hilt with 100% original gold wash; and original white shark skin grip that is still bright white with original twisted wire. The original leather blade washer holds the 28 1/2-inch blade firm. It is frosty etched with an anchor on both sides; and American Eagle and a ribbon with USN on one side; and a flag with USN on the other. Above the right side anchor is the name “T. A. Hall” surrounded by 32 stars. This number of stars represents the period between July 4, 1858 – July 3, 1859.

Acting Master Tobias A. Hall was in the United States Navy prior to the Civil War and may have served during the Mexican-American War: 1846-1848. He captained three ships and is listed as the Master of the Schooner “Sultana” in 1842, Master of the Brig “J.S. Stevens” 1843-44; and later in 1849 he drafted a “Notice to Mariners” from the abstract log of the Bark Ocean Bird: March 10, 1849 signed by Tobias A. Hall, Master.

Hall took his Oath of Allegiance to the United State of America August 29th, 1861; would later be commissioned September 27, 1861; and was assigned to the receiving ship USS North Carolina in New York Harbor prior to being transferred to the USS Brandywine; which was laid up in ordinary for more than a decade. Hall’s Civil War service in the Navy was shorten by illness and he was hospitalized November, 1861 and would pass away in 1866. A binder with historical information is included, as well as shipping and insurance. $2900.00

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WM

LONG

A212. SAUERBIER IDENTIFIED PRESENTATION GRADE NON-REGULATION STAFF & FIELD SWORD: This sword is a Sauerbier Presentation grade Non-Regulation Staff & Field sword identified to William H. Long. He served in the 33rd New York Infantry Regiment and the U.S. Volunteers Adjutant Generals Department and is the only officer with this name that served in a Staff & Field capacity, and signed his name Wm H Long. For brave and gallant conduct at Fort Stevens,near Washington, D. C, he was promoted to Major. This was during one of theConfederate General Early's periodical raids, and President Lincoln, who was a spectator of the fierce repulse given the enemy, and of the bravery displayed on this occasion by Captain Long, personally bestowed upon the latter the commission. On the 19th of October, 1864, he was made a Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel for brave and meritorious service during the campaign before Richmond and in the Shenandoah Valley, and for bravery in the assault before Petersburg he received a promotion as Brevet-Colonel, April 2, 1865. The name WM Long (William Long) is etched into the brass plate in the pommel caps front. There is a pewter inlay of a shield on the top of the pommel cap. The guard has 100% original gilt and beautiful chase work, and is tight. The blade is gold washed and has a large American eagle and U.S. and is Sauerbier maker marked. The scabbard has large mounts with pewter inlays and there is an eagle etched between the top mounts and U.S. and detail etching between the middle mount od the drag. Included is a binder with historical information and copies of Long's muster sheets and pension file. Shipping & Insurance included. $6300.00

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A287. PRESENTATION SABER – 1ST NEW JERSEY CAVALRY: This is a newly discovered presentation saber, given to Lieutenant Joseph Kargé when he was in command of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry. He would go on the form the 2nd New Jersey Cavalry and played a vital role in many battles. A detail record of his service has been compiled and includes a 350 page historical binder; an original copy of the book “Star on Many Battlefield” about his military service; and a 223-page copy of “The Tupelo Campaign” in which he led the fight against Nathan Bedford Forrest.  

A Polish Cavalry officer who immigrated to the United States, his training turned the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry regiment from a dispirited, unruly mob to a well-disciplined unit with an outstanding battle record. He was wounded in 1862, and while recovering at home, recruited the 2nd New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry. Kargé was promoted to colonel of the new 2nd New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry in November 1863. He commanded the regiment, then a brigade in the General Benjamin H. Grierson's successful cavalry raids in Tennessee and Alabama, for which he was given the brevet of Brigadier General, US Volunteers. His victory over General Nathan Bedford Forrest at Bolivar, Tennessee, resulted in a rare cavalry victory over Forrest, who developed a reputation as a superb cavalry leader.

In December 1864 Col. Kargé led the 1st. Brigade of Brig.Gen. Benjamin Grierson's 2nd Cavalry Division. The 1st. Brigade included the 2nd New Jersey Cavalry – Lt. Col. P. Jones Yorke, 7th Indiana Cavalry – Capt. J. H. Elliott, 4th Missouri Cavalry – Capt. Hencke, and the 1st Mississippi Mounted Rifles. Kargé was brevetted brigadier general by Lincoln on March 13, 1865, "for gallant and meritorious services during the war" at the recommendation of Benjamin Grierson. Kargé briefly rejoined the regular army in 1867 and served in Arizona with the 8th U.S. Cavalry. His service was cut short when he resigned in 1871. In the latter part of his life, he taught literature at Princeton University for the next twenty years of his life.

There is an image of Kargé wearing his presentation sword, and a photo copy is included in the history binder. It is a standard steel Non-Regulation hilt with a sharkskin grip with triple-strand dragon wire; a 35 1/2-inch pipe-back gold washed Damascus saber blade; marked W. H. Horstmann & Sons Philadelphia with a center panel with a gold U. S. and is marked IRON PROOF on the top of the spine. The scabbard is the standard steel version with a presentation panel between the ring mounts. The presentation panel is a style used by Joseph T. Bailey (Jr.) & Co. from Philadelphia, PA. They we known for retailing presentation swords and made swords presented to Generals Francis P. Blair, George A McCall, D.B. Birney, and now Lt. Col Karge.

Presented to

Lieut: Col:    Joseph   Karge

of  1st  Regt  New Jersey  Vol’s  Cavalry

by the enlisted Men of the 2nd Battalion

OC 1st 1862

Please take the time to click on the state seal and read the history. The 350-page binder, the book “Star on Many Battlefield” about his military service; and a 223-page copy of “The Tupelo Campaign” are all included, and shipping & Insurance as well. $7500.00

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A286. SCHUYLER, HARTLEY & GRAHAM - CLAUBERG NON-REGULATION STAFF & FIELD OFFICER'S SWORD - PRESENTED TO CAPT. JOHN STROWBRIDGE - 158TH NY INF. This is a Schuyler, Hartley & Graham Retailed Clauberg Non-Regulation Staff & Field Officer's Sword presented to Capt. John Strowbridge - 158th NY Infantry. It has a 31.25" slightly curved single-edged spear point blade with a 20.5" stopped median fuller. Blade 1.1" wide at ricasso, overall length 37". The hilt is 5.25" in length with a pierced brass guard featuring a spread-winged eagle, brass backstrap and pommel cap. Grooved wood grip with shagreen cover and double strands of twisted wire. Blade etched SCHUYLER, HARTLEY/ & GRAHAM/NEW YORK on the obverse ricasso and with Clauberg maker mark on the reverse ricasso. Blade etched with flowing foliate scroll patterns with a large US on the reverse as the central image and a panoply of arms and liberty cap as the central image on the obverse. Face of guard is engraved Presented to Capt. JOHN W. STROWBRIDGE Co F 185th Regt. N.Y.V. The sword is accompanied by its browned steel scabbard with brass mounts, and the drag shows evidence of being carried. John W Strowbridge was 37 years old when he joined the 185th NY Volunteer Infantry on August 11, 1864 and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in Company F. The regiment left the state on September 27, 1864 and proceeded to the Siege of Petersburg where it would remain through April of the following year, participating in various actions as part of that campaign, including Burgess' Farm, the Weldon Railroad Raid and Hatcher's Run. On December 12, 1864 Strowbridge was promoted to captain of Company F. On April 1, 1865 the regiment fought at Five Forks and proceeded to participate in the Appomattox Campaign which culminated with the Surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on April 9. This sword came from the George Oldenbourg collection. Shipping & Insurance included, as well as a binder complete with historical information to include muster sheets and pension records for Capt. John Strowbridge. $4000.00

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A244. INDIANA PRESENTATION – SAUERBIER HIGH-GRADE STAFF & FIELD SWORD: Presentation swords for the state of Indiana are very rare and extremely difficult to find. This one was recently discovered and no one knew it was presented because the presentation is on the blade, which is very rare! The sword is a High-Grade Sauerbier Staff & Field sword with a non-regulation hilt with a German Silver grip that was originally gold washed; a pommel cap with a pewter UNION disk and a perched flying Eagle on top; a gold washed frosty blade; and a metal scabbard with beautiful chase above the drag. Between the original gold wash etching and the sword tip is the presentation:

Presented to Lt Ed Alexander

- By -

Co. B 52nd Regt Ind Vols

Lieutenant Edwin Alexander enlisted and mustered into “B” Company, Indiana 52nd Infantry Volunteers as a sergeant on 2/1/1862, and was promoted to Second Lieutenant on 9/4/1862. During his time of service, the 52nd was involved in the Battle of Fort Donelson, the siege of Corinth, as well as numerous smaller actions and operations against guerrillas, including scouting details from Fort Pillow. On a scouting expedition on 31 December, 1863, Lieutenant Edwin Alexander and five men were frozen to death in a snow-storm on an island in the Mississippi river. His grave stone would identify the location as being Island No. 10. Included with the sword is a binder of historical information. Shipping & Insurance included. $6900.00

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Presented to

Capt. John F. Snyder

by the members of Company C

214th Regt P.V.

A197. HIGH-GRADE - PENNSYLVANIA PRESENTATION STAFF & FIELD SWORD: This is a High-Grade Presentation sword presented to Captain John F. Snyder. Captain Snyder served in three Pennsylvania infantry units: 110th, 192nd and the 214th Infantry. These enlistments where short ranging from 100 day to 1 year. Snyder was with the 110th for the Battle of Winchester, 23 March 1862; was called out in defense of the State with the 192nd; and served on Guard and provost duty in the Shenandoah with the 214th. The sword is a High-Grade Clauberg sword with a fancy German Silver hilt and ornate guard with 100% gold wash. The German Silver scabbard has ornate mounts and a silver presentation plaque between the ring mounts. Included is a binder with historical information and copies of Snyder's muster sheets and pension file. Shipping & Insurance included. $6500.00

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The presentation reads as follows:

PRESENTED TO

Capt. E. E. Harvey

By Co. B. 6th Kan. Cav. Vols.

A242. KANSAS HIGH-GRADE PRESENTATION CAVALRY SABER: This High-Grade presentation saber was given to Captain Elijah E. Harvey, Company B, 6th Kansas Cavalry. On 8/12/1861 he was commissioned into "B" Co. Kansas 6th Cavalry and Mustered Out on 11/18/1864 at Leavenworth, Kansas. During his service, he fought at the following engagements: First Battle of Newtonia, Battle of Old Fort Wayne, Battle of Prairie Grove, Camden Expedition, Battle of Honey Springs, and the Battle of Massard Prairie. He was gifted a High-Grade saber with a fancy Sauerbier type-3 branch guard with an ornate pommel, and an antique ivory grip. The original blade washer holds the 35-inch blade tight and it is lightly etched, but difficult to photograph. Under magnification, you can see a Soldier with a Horse; an American Eagle; American Flags and Shield; a Cannon; Drum; and Book titled “Constitution & Laws of the US” on the right side. On the left side there is etched a Soldier on Horseback with the American Flag; “US” in a fancy script pattern; a Five-Point star; a detail battle scene of cavalry soldiers on horseback; and an “E Pluribus Unum” ribbon. The brass scabbard is very ornate with an “E Pluribus Unumribbon etched above a raised American Eagle; elaborate ring mounts and drag; a presentation panel between themounts; and fancy panel between the bottom mount and the drag. Looking at the guard and drag, there is a good possibility this is a Sauerbier made saber. Shipping & Insurance included as well as a binder with historical information and the service records of Captain Harvey. $6900.00

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A279. IDENTIFIED - CIVIL WAR PERIOD MODEL 1852 NAVAL OFFICERS' SWORD: This is an Ames M1852 Naval Officer’s sword identified to Acting Ensign George F. Bayley. He initially enlisted in the Massachusetts 3rd cavalry, but was discharged for disabilities on 16 June, 1862 at New Orleans Louisiana. He later accepted a commission in the United States Navy as an Acting Ensign and served on the USS Cornubia & USS Pampero. 1864-1866. Braley had his name and service period etched on his sword. The etching is in Old English script inside a rectangular panel above the original Ames etching. The marker mark is faint, but readable with magnification. The brass guard and pommel cap retain 100% original gold wash; the grip and wire are 100% original and complete; and there is a period replaced leather blade washer, which holds it all tightly together. The blade showed wear with period sharpening and some minor small nicks. No scabbard. Shipping & Insurance included. $1600.00

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A274. 9TH MARYLAND - HIGH-GRADE PRESENTATION M1850 STAFF & FIELD SWORD: This is an outstanding example of a Clauberg High-Grade presentation sword.  The attached historical information provides a detail description of the sword as well as information on the officer to which it was presented.

Presented to

Capt. Jas. W. Brady

by Company B 9th Md Infy.

Harper’sFerry, Va.

                                  Oct 28 1863.

Captain James W. Brady joined the 9th Maryland Infantry, which was a six-month unit, and it appears he was in a pre-war militia unit and remained active in the local militia after his enlistment ended. He served as the Provost Marshall in Harper’s Ferry during his time of service. This historical binder provided his history to include is Muster Sheets and Pension File.  This folder is included with the sword, and Shipping & Insurance is free. $7900.00

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F491. 2ND ILLINOIS CAVALRY ISSUED & IDENTIFIED - COLT MODEL 1861 NAVY REVOLVER: This is a VERY GOOD+ to LOW FINE condition example of the scarce Colt New Model Navy Percussion Revolver, better known to collectors as the Model 1861 Navy Revolver. It has a documenting that it was shipped to the United State Navy Department; Commanding Officer; U.S. Navy Yard Boston, Massachusetts on December 20, 1861 in a lot of 200 guns. It would later be sold or transferred to the Army, and issued on 01 July, 1864 to Private Henry C. Stover; Company “C” 2nd Illinois Cavalry Regiment as documented in the Springfield records and confirmed by the 2nd Illinois Cavalry Regiment files at the National Archives.

The Model 1861 Navy was the pinnacle of Colt’s percussion revolver production and blended some of the best features of both the popular Old Model Navy (aka Model 1851) and New Model Army (aka Model 1860) revolvers into one pistol. The gun was .36 caliber, as implied by the name “Navy”, with a six chambered cylinder and had a 7 ½” round barrel. The loading lever was of the Model 1860 Army “creeping style” and for all practical purposes the front half of the revolver was a scaled down version of Model 1860 Army in .36 caliber. The rear portion of the revolver was pure “Navy” with the classic Model 1851 grip frame and grip angle, which would live for generations as the pattern for the grip design of the classic Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army.

The Model 1861 Navy was more streamlined than the earlier Model 1851 variant and the new loading lever was a significant improvement over the older toggle action design. While the revolvers were not purchased in huge numbers by the US government during the American Civil War, they did serve in reasonably large numbers, proportional to their production. Only 38,843 of the pistols were produced during its production run from 1861 to 1873, with less than 28,000 being manufactured before the end of 1865. Most sources place US government purchases at about 2,000 guns, but based upon recorded serial number data, more were purchased on the open market, as well as by the various states and by individual soldiers.

According to the Springfield Research Service serial number record books, several Model 1861 Navy revolvers were reported in the hands of troopers from Companies F & L, 13th Illinois Cavalry during 1864. These guns are scattered in the serial number ranges of 2496 – 4324, 7636 – 12482 and 16001 – 16236. Model 1861 Navy revolvers also show up in the records of the 2nd Illinois Cavalry (Companies C & D, scattered from 4255 – 7709), the 9th Illinois Cavalry (Company D) and the 10th Illinois Cavalry (Company B). Colt Model 1861 Navy revolvers are also listed among the small arms issued to Company L of the 2nd KY Cavalry (US), and Company E of the 11th Ohio Cavalry. The members of Company M, 1st Arkansas Cavalry privately purchased a handful of the pistols as well. This wide range of serial numbers and issue of the pistols clearly indicates that many more of the revolvers were purchased by the states and saw use during the war than the 2,000 Ordnance Department purchased and inspected revolvers.

The fact that a minimum of three Illinois Volunteer cavalry regiments were at least partially armed with the revolvers suggests that Illinois may have made a significant purchase of the revolvers directly from Colt or other sources such as the U. S. Navy or Ordnance Department. At least one delivery of 50 “New Model” Navy revolvers to the state of Illinois is contained within surviving Colt documents. 

This Colt New Model 1861 Navy Revolver is in VERY GOOD+ to LOW FINE condition and is serial number 4403, placing its production in 1861 with all serial numbers matching to include the wedge. The grips are tight to the backstrap and no doubt are original and will have an ink numbered with the last three digits of the serial number inside the backstrap cut out.

The lower left front of the frame reads COLT’S / PATENT, and the side of the cylinder is marked COLT’S PATENT No 4403. The naval battle scene roll engraved on the cylinder is worn, but visible, and the top of the 7 1/2” round barrel is marked with the standard one-line New York address: 

— ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW – YORK U. S. AMERICA —

The gun does not bear any government inspector marks; however, the lack of these markings does not in any way mean that the gun did not see Civil War service.  As noted, the Colt letter documents its shipment the U. S. Navy, and the Springfield records and files at the National Archives documents its use by Private Henry C. Stover; Company “C” 2nd Illinois Cavalry Regiment as discussed above.

The gun is tight and essentially untouched except for the replaced screw above the wedge, and is basically a plum-brown gun. It shows scattered freckles of oxidation and darkening here and there and some freckled areas of minor surface roughness, with some pinpricking and light pitting around the muzzle and of course on the face and rear of the cylinder. The frame has more of a mottled gray patina, which is lighter than the plum brown tone that is prevalent on the barrel and cylinder.

The cylinder retains about 65%+ of the Ormsby roll engraved Republic of Texas vs. the Mexican Navy battle scene. The cylinder retains all six original cones (nipples), and most of the safety pins are present on the rear of the cylinder.

The bore of the pistol rates about VERY FINE++. It is partly bright, with sharp rifling. The pistol is in FINE mechanical condition and functions as it should. The revolver times, indexes and locks up correctly and the action retains a nice, crisp feel to it. The brass frame has an attractive golden color. There is no silver-plated finish on the grip frame and was probably never plated. The gun was likely produced with the “military finish” which included a lower level of polish to the metal resulting in a duller blue, skipped the silver-plating process for the brass parts and utilized oil finished, rather than varnished wood grips. The one-piece walnut grip is in about VERY GOOD++ condition and is free of any breaks, cracks, or repairs. The edges remain crisp but the lower right leading edge does show a small missing chip.

Overall, this is a relatively crisp, well-marked and mechanically fine example of one of the less commonly encountered Colt revolvers from the American Civil War period. With less than 39,000 produced, and less than 28,000 of them produced before the end of 1865, these guns can be hard to find compared to the approximately 200,000 Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers and approximately 215,000 Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers produced. The 1861 Navy production only equaled about 19% of Colt 1860 Army production and 17% of Colt 1851 Navy production. As such, they are about five times rarer than the more commonly encountered Colts of the era. By that logic, the guns should be five times as valuable as their more numerous brethren! This is a very nice example that presents well and has a nice, honest, and attractive appearance.  The gun will be a wonderful addition to your collection of Civil War era secondary martial revolvers and is a gun you will really enjoy displaying with your collection. 

Henry C. Stover was from Bath Illinois and enlisted on 31 July 1861 as a Private, and on 12 August 1861 mustered into Company “C” Illinois 2nd Cavalry. His Muster Cards show he was present with Company “C” Illinois 2nd Cavalry July 1861 to April 1863; Detailed as an Orderly for Colonel Keppner, Memphis Tennessee May 1863 to Dec 1863; Detached service Fort Pickering – 3rd Regiment, United States Colored Heavy Artillery (1st Tennessee Heavy Artillery) Nov to Dec 1863; mustered out 1 Jan 1864 and discharged in order to reenlistment to continue service as Orderly for Colonel Keppner, Memphis Tennessee until April 1864. In May 1864, Stover returns to Company “C” Illinois 2nd Cavalry to June 1865; after which he is listed as a deserter in August 1865; but later Mustered Out in November, 1865 while in San Antonio Texas. A review on his pension file shows he sustained two line-of-duty injuries: 1 April, 1862 he was kicked in the head by his horse, which led to the loss of hearing and his left eye, and on 2 November 1862, at Bolivar Tennessee, his great (large) toe was shot off in battle while guarding a forage train. Included is the original Colt letter, a copy of the Springfield records, and a history binder complete with copies of the soldier’s muster sheets and pension file. Shipping & Insurance included. $4600.00

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A269. HIGH GRADE – SAUERBIER – GRANT HEAD POMMEL CAP- MEDICAL SURGEON PRESENTATION SWORD: This is an extremely rare example of a high-grade Sauerbier sword presented to a Civil War medical surgeon. It is not maker marked; however, it has several unique characteristics associated with Sauerbier to include the etched scabbard with its distinctive Sauerbier drag. It is 1 of 5 known examples with a General Grant Head pommel depicting his full head, and 1 of 2 known swords with an Abalone grip in an octagon shape. The hilt style is that of a 1840-50’s Militia Officers sword with a silver plated open cross guard with a chain guard, and the presentation on both sides of the center panels.

Presented to

Thos R. Cosby

Surg U.S. Vol

by the

Officers  Friends

Female Nurses

&

Patients of

Col Coll Hosp

Jun 1st 1864

 

Dr. Thomas Russell Crosby, 1816-1872, offered himself for examination before the Army Board at Philadelphia, and passed so creditably that he was at once commissioned as Brigade Surgeon and place in charge of Columbian College Hospital, near Washington. He found the hospital in a miserable condition, and made it his special duty to bring it up to the correct standard of what an army hospital should be. So successful was he that although he often asked to be relieved and detailed to duty in the field, his request was never granted, but he was retained in charge of this hospital until it was closed, receiving the brevet of Colonel United States Volunteers, as a mark of appreciation from Government when he was mustered out. A binder with historical information is included, and Shipping & Insurance is free. $7500.00

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CN07. CONFEDERATE CEDAR CANTEEN - IDENTIFIED - 14TH REGIMENT LOUISIANA INFANTRY: This Confederate Cedar Canteen is identified to Private Joh Gottling of the 14th Louisiana Infantry.  He enlisted on 1 June 1861 as a private.  It is a standard Confederate cedar canteen and is complete with all original wood, two steel bands, and three steel retention straps with some black string attached for support. The front circular section of the canteen is somewhat warped in and not flush with the groves. Slightly off to the left side and lightly scratched in is a name, which upon close examination is identified as Joh Gottling. He is the only Confederate Soldier listing in the Civil War data base & National Park records with this name.

Private Jon Fedrick enlisted in New Orleans for the duration of the war on 1 June, 1861 into Company “C” 14th Louisiana Infantry. He was born in Germany, his occupation was a River Man with a residence of New Orleans, and was 26 when he enlisted. He fought at the Siege of Yorktown, April 5, 1862; Williamsburg, May 5; Seven Pines, April 30, May 1, June 1 & 2; Ellison’s Mills, June 27; Cold Harbor; Frazier’s Farm, June 30; Cedar Run, Aug 9, 1862; Bristoe Station, Aug 26, 1862; Manassas No. 2, Aug 27; Chantilly, Sep1; Harper’s Ferry, Sept 15; and Sharpsburg (Antietam), Sept 17 where he was wounded in the thigh and made a Prisoner of War. He was Paroled on Sep 27, 1862 and sent to Fort McHenry for exchange on Oct 13, 1862.  On Oct 23, 1862 he was admitted to Chimborazo Hospital No. 4, Richmond, Virginia.  By November, 1862 he  is listed as absent with our leave and the as a deserter, but a good soldier while in the Company! Shipping & Insurance included. $2800.00

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C470. MISSISSIPPI SIDE KNIFE: This Confederate Side knife was discovered and purchased in Mississippi by Rebel Relics - Brian Akins. When acquired, there was a verbal story that it belonged to a Mississippi soldier, but there was no additional history. On close examination, the name “W H Harris” was found carved on the top of the grip and initials “W H” on the right side. The initial search of the Civil War data base identified several Mississippi soldiers with this name, and more was needed for a positive identification. On the lead ferrule, the letter “E” was found carved on both sides, which most likely is a unit identification. With this added information, a search for a Mississippi soldier enlisted in a unit with a “Company E” commenced and two soldiers were found: William Hansford Harris "E" Co. Mississippi 18th Infantry and William H. Harris "E" Co. 2nd Partisan Rangers Mississippi Infantry. Since both have similar names, this knife could belong to either, and so historical information on both is provided.

William Hansford Harris: On 4/20/1861 he mustered into "E" Co. Mississippi 18th Infantry. He was discharged for disability from battle wounds on 11/15/1861. He was wounded in battle twice: first in the leg, and then in the arm, which was amputated. This led to his discharge. He survived.

William H. Harris:  On 9/1/1862 he mustered into "E" Co. Mississippi 2nd Part Rangers Cavalry. His muster sheets show that he was wounded near Ripley Mississippi, but remained with the unit at least until October 1864.

The knife is 17 1/2 inches long with a 13-inch spear-pointblade made from a file. You can still see file teeth marks all over the blade. The blade is period sharpened and has an even patina. The grip looks to be walnut with a lead ferrule, a brass cross-guard, and a brass plate with three pins. The original sheath is brown leather, bottom stitch, and reinforced with heavy wire at its end.  As mention above, the name “W H Harris” is carved on the top of the grip and initials “W H” on the right side, and the letter “E” is carved on both sides of the ferrule.  The knife is in superb condition and most likely carried by one of the two identified Mississippi Soldiers. There is a high probability the knife was made is Mississippi.  Shipping & Insurance included. $3500.00

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A259. HIGH-GRADE M1850 STAFF & FIELD PRESENTATION SWORD  - 198TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY: This is a High-Grade presentation sword retailed by Horstmann, Philadelphia, PA. On the back side of the top mounts is the following presentation:

A Testimony to

Capt Thomas C Spackman

Co. E 198th Regt.

Residence Bucks County PA; Enlisted on 7/11/1861 as a Private; on 7/11/1861 he mustered into "K" Co. PA 32nd Infantry; He was Mustered Out on 6/17/1864 at Philadelphia, PA; On 9/9/1864 he was commissioned into "E" Co. PA 198th Infantry;  He was discharged for wounds on 6/26/1865 at Philadelphia, PA; He was listed as Wounded 3/29/1865 Lewis' Farm, VA (Wounded in abdomen); Hospitalized 5/1/1865 Washington, DC (Armory Square Hospital); Promotions: Corporal 3/1/1862; Sergeant 7/31/1862; 1st Sergeant 8/1/1862; 2nd Lieutenant 2/1/1863;1st Lieutenant 9/16/1863; Captain 9/9/1864 (As of Co. E 198th PA Infantry); Major 3/29/1865 by Brevet.  History binder included. Shipping & Insurance included. $6500.00

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U995. HIGH-GRADE POST - CIVIL WAR PRESENTATION SWORD - COMPANY A “CHARLESTOWN CADETS” 5TH REGIMENTS M.V.M: This is an amazing High-Grade post - Civil War Presentation sword attributed to the “Charlestown Cadets” Boston Massachusetts. The 5th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia was a peacetime infantry regiment that was activated for federal service in the Union army for three separate tours during the American Civil War. In the years immediately preceding the war and during its first term of service, the regiment consisted primarily of companies from Essex County as well as Boston and Charlestown. The sword is an ornate staff & field sword with a German silver grip; gold washed guard and pommel cap in a German silver scabbard with high-grade fancy mounts.  The top mount is etched “CC” for Charlestown Cadets, and on the reversed side between the mounts if the presentation:

Presented to Captain H. C. Cutter by the

Charlestown Cadets and Friends

May 24th 1869

Cutter entered service as a Private and promoted to Corporal in the “H” company, 5th Regiment M.V.M. during the latter part of the Civil War for an enlistment of 100 Days. He would remain with the unit and promote to Captain of the Charlestown Cadets. Shipping is included. $5500.00

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